December 2010

Instead of stumbling over your unused computer, printer, fax machine, or television, or hand shredding those important documents, Surterre Properties® invites anyone with these and other unwanted electronics and paper to drive through the the Laguna Beach School District parking lot (550 Blumont, corner of Park Avenue/Blumont) on Saturday, January 15th, 2011 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and drop off these landfill “no-no’s”. This is a free service with no forms to complete and guests won’t even need to get out of their car.

Surterre Properties agents and volunteers will collect the eWaste and deliver them to a recycling center. Earth Resource Foundation, an environmental, educational non-profit organization developed to empower the general public with the…

We may not have the option of joining millions of people in Times Square as they watch the ball drop on New Year’s Eve, but forgoing the cold and the crowds to celebrate 2011 in Orange County definitely has its perks.

From a posh yacht fete in Newport Beach, to an epic block party at the OC Fairgrounds in Costa Mesa, The O.C. has you covered as you ring in the New Year.

Newport BeachNew Year’s Eve Yacht Party on The Royal PrincessFriday, December 31, 8:30pm to 1amPre-Sale Ticket Prices: $145 to $170Cruise through gorgeous Newport Harbor on a premier luxury yacht that will lavish its New Year’s guests with a champagne greeting, an appetizer buffet, DJ and dancing, and festive New Year’s party favors. You can purchase your tickets to aboard the three-level,…

A multi-faceted professional who’s seasoned in the field of finance, Bruce brings to Surterre Properties, and to his clients, more than a decade of experience as a stockbroker and investment banker. This unique background gives him a valuable perspective on the real estate transaction as a whole and affords both buyers and sellers a heightened level of confidence when it comes to the strategic pursuit of their goals.

“My background in finance allows me to see opportunity where others can’t, and gives clients a marked advantage in accomplishing their real estate objectives in the most lucrative fashion,” Bruce explains.

“Because I’m passionate about working with people, I truly enjoy parlaying these skills into rewarding experiences.”

As you contemplate your New Years’ resolutions for 2011, some of you may be planning to add a few home remodeling projects to the requisite eat better, exercise more, stress less list.

According to Yahoo! Real Estate, the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) found– in their exclusive poll of top builders and developers– that small home updates will take precedence over drastic renovations as the economy continues to recover.

Whether you will be remodeling as you prepare to list your home for sale, or will simply be making updates to create a more ideal home atmosphere, here are a few of the top trends you should take into consideration while narrowing down your priority home improvements.

This week’s compilation of real estate headlines includes positive reports on Orange County home values and home building rates. If you are interested in receiving a weekly round-up of Orange County real estate news, sign up for our RSS feed to receive instant updates regarding real estate in all Orange County cities including Newport Beach, Newport Coast, Corona del Mar and Laguna Beach.

POLL FINDS…

The United States may as well have added green to the patriotic red, white and blue palette this year for the significant amount of eco-friendly initiatives and programs introduced.

The Daily Green has put together a compilation of the top green feats of 2010, and if it is any indication, it looks like 2011 will only build upon this impressive green foundation.

Cashing in on “Cash for Appliances”: After the Obama Administration allotted $300 million to the “Cash for Appliances” program, customers flocked to claim their rebates, swapping old, inefficient home appliances for new Energy Star-rated models. The program, in addition to a federal tax credit of up to $1,500 for green home projects, proved to establish energy conservation as a very lucrative…

As a new year approaches, a new set of home trends inevitably changes the face of the real estate market, and for 2011, the prevalence of practicality is undeniable, according to MSN Real Estate.

Buyers want homes for sale that offer highly functional spaces with high-value features. Here’s what you need to be keeping an eye out for this year.

Quality over Quantity: Buyers are beginning to look for more modest-sized homes that offer quality amenities. Although the average home size is shrinking– around 10 to 15 percent– the number of rooms remains the same, and the demand for valuable features, like walk-in closets in the master bedrooms and well-designed laundry rooms, will most likely carry over from 2010 to 2011.

Many of us wish the holiday season would last longer, and between the vacation time, the delicious eats and the generous spirit of giving and doing good, who wouldn’t want a few more weeks of this infectious cheer?

Well, we may not have control over how long the holidays last, but we can control how long our Christmas trees last by giving them some quality TLC.
The Daily Green offers some tips to keep your Christmas tree thriving in your Newport Beachhome well into the New Year.

Look for Local

Not only will you be getting a more fresh and beautiful Christmas tree when you go to a local tree farm, you will be contributing to the community by helping to preserve local jobs and open space, and supporting the environment by cutting…

This week’s compilation of real estate headlines includes positive reports on Orange County home values and home building rates. If you are interested in receiving a weekly round-up of Orange County real estate news, sign up for our RSS feed to receive instant updates regarding real estate in all Orange County cities including Newport Beach, Newport Coast, Corona del Mar and Laguna Beach.

HOME BUILDING PROJECTED TO RISE NEXT YEAR

Homebuilding will continue its two-year rebound in 2011. Next year's level will be up 80.1 percent from 2009.-Jeff Collins, Orange County Register Business Section 12/12/2010

REPORT SAYS O.C. HOME VALUES ARE UP $19 BILLION

The value of all Orange County homes was estimated at $395 billion as of the third quarter, a $19.5…

Although considered a soft season for selling, the holidays offer a great opportunity for homeowners to list in a less competitive market that brings with it a crop of uniquely motivated buyers who typically aim to move before the New Year.

FrontDoor has a few tips for the holiday hopefuls among you that would like to make this season even sweeter with a sale.

Enlist a dedicated agent: You want to hire an agent who you can trust to stay focused on the sale of your home throughout the holiday season. Surterre Properties has an extensive array of experienced agents who are committed to their clients and determined to perform a successful sale no matter what time of year.